Jakarta – The proposal for lifetime validity of driver’s licenses (SIM), vehicle registration certificates (STNK), and license plates (TNKB) has resurfaced. Member of Commission III of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Sarifuddin Sudding, has suggested that SIM, STNK, and TNKB should not need to be renewed.
This proposal was presented by Sudding during a hearing with the Indonesian National Police’s Traffic Corps (Korlantas) on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. According to Sudding, the renewal of SIM, STNK, and TNKB every five years only burdens the public.
“I’ve previously suggested that the renewal of SIM, STNK, and TNKB should only be required once for a lifetime, just like the ID card (KTP). This would not burden the public. These documents are small in size, but the cost is extremely high. And this burden is placed on the public. I urge that this be reconsidered. SIM, STNK, and TNKB should only need to be renewed once, just like the ID card, which is valid for a lifetime,” said Sudding during the hearing with Korlantas.
Furthermore, according to Sudding, if a SIM holder violates traffic laws, they should be given a mark. After three violations, the SIM should be revoked, and they should be banned from driving.
“If there’s a violation, just mark it. After three violations, that’s enough. They don’t need to wait years before being allowed to apply for a new SIM,” he added.
Hinca Pandjaitan, another member of Commission III of the DPR from the Democratic Party, pointed out that there had been a previous petition to the Constitutional Court (MK) regarding the validity period of SIM, STNK, and license plates. However, the MK rejected the proposal for lifetime validity of SIM, STNK, and license plates.
“Once again, Mr. Sudding, I’m just sharing this, the MK Decision No. 42 ruled that the validity period remains five years. The petitioners previously asked for SIM to be valid for life, but the MK deemed it necessary to evaluate the issuance process due to factors related to a person’s condition and competence in driving,” said Hinca.
The Head of the Traffic Corps (Kakorlantas) of the Indonesian National Police, Inspector General Aan Suhanan, responded to Sudding’s proposal. According to Aan, the MK had already decided that SIM could not be valid for a lifetime.
“If we look at the records submitted by the MK, one of the reasons why SIM is renewed is related to forensic matters in the police. In five years, changes in identity and other factors may occur. However, whatever the case, we appreciate Mr. Sudding’s input, and we will continue to evaluate and improve services related to SIM, STNK, and TNKB,” said Aan.
Regarding the STNK, Aan explained that it could not be valid for a lifetime because, during the five-year renewal process, the vehicle’s roadworthiness is checked.
“In principle, we are ready for any regulations regarding STNK-BPKB, but we continue to make improvements to public services. It should also be noted that the STNK is not only an administrative document confirming the legal ownership of a vehicle, but also involves checks on the vehicle’s safety features. Every five years, we inspect whether the vehicle’s braking system, and so on, are still functional. This is needed, in addition to police forensic requirements,” Aan stated.
The Constitutional Court (MK) had previously rejected a petition asking for lifetime validity of SIM, similar to the electronic ID card (KTP). Seven Constitutional Court judges ruled against the petition regarding the validity period of SIM.
There are several reasons why SIM cannot be valid for a lifetime. According to the MK, there is a difference between the functions of SIM and KTP. SIM is a document required only for individuals who drive motor vehicles. To obtain it, applicants must demonstrate their competence in driving, in accordance with the type of SIM they apply for, and meet certain requirements such as age, health, and passing both written and practical driving exams.
While both KTP and SIM are identity documents, the MK emphasized that their functions are different. The KTP is a national identity document required for all Indonesian citizens, whereas SIM is a driving permit that is only necessary for those who drive motor vehicles and have fulfilled the necessary conditions according to the law.
Moreover, the use of SIM is influenced by an individual’s condition and competence, which is closely related to road safety. Thus, the MK deemed the five-year renewal period to be reasonable for evaluating potential changes in the holder’s condition that could affect their ability to drive safely. For example, changes in health conditions, such as vision, hearing, motor function, cognitive ability, or personality, could affect driving competence.
Additionally, within a five-year span, changes in the holder’s identity, such as their name, appearance, address, or even fingerprints, could occur, especially in a society with high social and geographical mobility. This justifies the need for regular evaluations of the SIM holder.
The MK also rejected the petition regarding the validity of STNK and license plates. The Court ruled that the petitioner had not clearly explained the constitutional issue regarding the validity period in Article 70, Paragraph (2) of Law No. 22 of 2009.
The MK noted that the petitioner had only discussed technical issues concerning the process, form, and validity of STNK and TNKB, and therefore the Court could not assess whether there was a constitutional issue with the norm being challenged.
